American Ant Store's Comprehensive Ant Feeding guide overview

Understanding how to properly feed ants is one of the most important parts of ant keeping. Correct feeding supports queen health, brood development, worker longevity, and natural behaviors such as foraging, trail formation, seed harvesting, and replete development in honeypot ants.

This ant feeding guide explains:

• What pet ants eat?

• How to feed ants sugar?

• How to feed ants protein?

• Which ants eat seeds?

• How often ants should be fed?

• Safe feeding practices?

• Best food options for different species?

This guide applies to Camponotus, Pheidole, Pogonomyrmex, Tetramorium, Lasius, Formica, Myrmecocystus, and many other common ant species.

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Ant diet quick reference table

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Sugar feeding for ants

Sugar is the primary energy source for ant workers. It powers foraging, brood care, nest construction, and colony maintenance. Ant colonies without regular access to sugars often become sluggish and stop foraging effectively.

Best sugar sources for pet ants

The best sugar foods for ants include:

• ByFormica Sunburst Ant Nectar

• ByFormica Ant Nectar products

• sugar-water mixtures

• diluted honey

• diluted maple syrup

Section FAQ: Sugar feeding

Do ants need sugar or protein more?

Ant workers need sugar more frequently for energy, while larvae need protein for growth.

Can ants drink soda or juice?

No. Store drinks contain preservatives and acids that can harm ant colonies.

Why ByFormica Sunburst Ant Nectar is recommended?

ByFormica Sunburst Ant Nectar is designed specifically for ant keeping and offers important advantages:

• does not ferment like homemade sugar water

• more mold resistant than honey water

• stable formulation

• safe viscosity for ant feeders

• long-lasting and consistent flavor profile

Because ByFormica does not ferment, it greatly reduces risk of digestive stress and contamination.

Important warning about honey and organic sweeteners

Even organic honey and syrups can contain harmful contaminants introduced during:

• harvesting

• transport

• storage

• packaging

Best practice:

• use ByFormica ant nectar when possible

• if trying store-bought foods, test very small amounts first

• closely monitor the colony

• discontinue immediately if workers die or refuse food

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Protein feeding for ants

Protein is required for:

• larval development

• brood production

• queen egg growth

Workers use sugars for energy, but larvae require protein to build body tissue.

Best protein foods for ants

Safe protein options include:

• fruit flies

• dubia roach pieces

• mealworms

• crickets

• black soldier fly larvae

• waxworms in moderation

Always offer insects pre-killed or frozen and thawed.

Section FAQ: protein feeding

Do adult ants need protein?

Adult workers need little protein themselves. They feed protein to larvae which convert it into nutrients for the colony.

Can I feed cooked meat to ants?

It is not recommended. Seasonings, oils, and salt can harm colonies.

Protein feeding frequency

• small colonies: 1 to 2 times weekly

• medium colonies: 2 to 4 times weekly

• very fast-growing species: every other day

Remove uneaten insects within 24 to 48 hours.

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Seeds for seed-harvesting ant species

Seed feeding applies to:

• Pogonomyrmex harvester ants

• many Pheidole species including Pheidole rhea and Pheidole militicida

• Messor species

These ants collect seeds and grind them into ant bread for larvae.

Best seeds to feed ants

Recommended seeds include:

• millet

• chia

• canary seed

• dandelion seed

• grass seeds

• crushed sunflower hearts for larger colonies

Section FAQ: seeds

Do all ants eat seeds

No. Only seed-harvesting species regularly collect and process seeds.

Why are my ants sprouting seeds

Nest humidity is too high. Reduce moisture or move seeds to a drier outworld area.

Safe seed-feeding tips

• keep nests largely dry

• offer seeds in outworlds

• remove moldy seeds

• avoid overly oily seed mixes

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Feeding Honeypot ants specifically

Honeypot ants, genus Myrmecocystus, rely heavily on liquid sugars. Repletes store nectar in their gasters and act as living storage tanks.

Best practices:

• feed ByFormica Sunburst Ant Nectar

• avoid shaking nests

• provide moderate protein

• prioritize carbohydrates

Protein feeding frequency

• small colonies: 1 to 2 times weekly

• medium colonies: 2 to 4 times weekly

• large colonies: every day

Remove uneaten insects within 24 to 48 hours.

Section FAQ: Honeypot feeding

Do honeypot ants need special food

They mainly need high-quality nectar and stable warm conditions.

Will all honeypots ants make repletes?

Yes, a defining trait of the Myrmecocystus genus (Honeypot ants) is their ability to make repletes, which are specialized workers whose only job is to store food for the colony! It is important to note that repletes typically appear only in mature colonies under stable conditions.

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How often should ants be fed

General feeding schedule:

• queen alone: very small amounts or none depending on species

• small colony: 2 to 3 times per week

• medium colony: every other day

• large colony: daily availability recommended

Heated colonies consume more.

Section FAQ: feeding frequency

Can ants be overfed?

Yes. Too much uneaten food causes mites and mold.

Can ants starve even with sugar present?

Yes. Without protein, larvae cannot develop.

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Safe feeding practices for ant keepers

Follow these best practices:

• freeze insects before feeding to kill parasites

• avoid wild-caught insects exposed to pesticides

• use ByFormica feeders to prevent drowning

• introduce new foods slowly

• start with small amounts

• monitor for adverse reactions

When testing any new food, begin small and observe behavior instead of offering large quantities.

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Warning signs of diet problems

Diet problems include:

• slow brood development

• disappearance of larvae

• worker lethargy

• refusal to forage

• foul smell or mold buildup

Adjust feeding balance and schedule if these appear.

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Comprehensive Ant Feeding FAQ

What do ants eat?

Most ants eat sugars, proteins, and in some species seeds. Sugars fuel workers, protein feeds larvae, and seeds are used by seed-harvesting species.

Is ByFormica Sunburst Ant Nectar safe?

Yes. It is designed for ant keeping and does not ferment like homemade sugar solutions.

Can I feed ants honey?

Yes, but use caution. Even organic honey may contain contaminants. Start small and monitor behavior.

How often do ants need to be fed?

Most colonies should be fed two to four times per week, while large or heated colonies may eat daily.

Do ants need water if they have nectar?

Yes. Provide a separate hydration source or ensure nectar is frequently refreshed.

Do ants need vitamins or supplements?

No. A balanced diet of sugars, insects, and seeds for seed-harvesters is sufficient.

Why did my ants die after feeding honey?

Possible contamination or fermentation. Use ByFormica ant nectar instead and introduce new foods carefully.